With a field of pro athletes amassing at the Integrity Homes sponsored Challenge Wanaka in less than two weeks, the event will be the first major triathlon of 2021. The race is due to get under way on Saturday, February 20th.
Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam is looking forward to this year’s Challenge Wanaka. He said, “Of course we have had a special year, in which we had only a few races due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Challenge Wanaka did go ahead last year and now opens the season once again. It’s good to see all the hard work the local team has put in this race and it’s lovely to open this season with such a spectacular race in such a beautiful surrounding and including a stellar field. Bring it on!”
Eyes will focused on the men’s battle between Braden Currie (NZL) and Kyle Smith (NZL) and the women’s battle between Hannah Wells (NZL) and Teresa Adam (NZL).
While Braden Currie is the defending champion at Challenge Wanaka, he may expect some heavy competition from Kyle Smith, who has beaten Currie the last two races in their home.
There will be some other strong athletes at the men’s race, with amongst others Jack Moody (NZL) and Jason Hunt (NZL). Hunt is a new face in the pro scene, while Moody was last year’s fastest runner in Wanaka.
In the women’s race there is expected to be another battle between two of the strongest athletes out in the field: Hannah Wells and Teresa Adam. Wells became the Challenge Wanaka champion in 2019 and crossed the line second last year, while Adam is racing Challenge Wanaka for the first time this year.
The contenders also include Rebecca Clarke, Emily McNaughton and Maeve Kennedy racing for medals. Clarke is well known for her strong swim, while McNaughton is a new pro who has proven her worth thanks to a fifth place at the Tauranga Triathlon earlier this season. Australian Kennedy is also new to the pro field.
